How to Mark the Checkbox in a Word Document

By Launie Sorrels

In most cases, checkboxes are created during the template creation process. When creating the template, the user can create a form to fill out and return to the originator of the template. When these forms are created, the creator will allocate certain privileges to the template. These rights will decide what parts of the form are allowed to be altered by other users. The more common usage of checkboxes in documents is the printable form. These utilize the graphical Wingding font, and are easier to manage.

Step 1

Open Microsoft Word 2007.

Step 2

Open the document that contains the checkmark.

Step 3

Click on the “Developer” tab. If you do not see the Developer tab, then do the following. Click on the “Office” button at the top left of the document. Click the “Word Options” button. Select the “Show Developer tab in the Ribbon” checkbox. Click the “OK” button.

Step 4

Double-click the checkbox you want checked. The “Check Box Form Field Options” window will open.

Step 5

Double-click the checkbox you want checked. The “Check Box Form Field Options” window will open.

Step 6

Click the “OK” button.

Tips & Warnings

This article is written for Word 2007.

For Word 2003 or 2007, checkboxes are typically utilized within forms, which are created through templates. For more information on forms, you can utilize the Word Help. If you are creating a checkbox that is to be printed, you will want to use Word Wingdings.

In Word 2003, Wingdings are located in the Insert menu, under Symbols. Word 2007 users click the “Insert” tab, the “Symbol” drop-down menu, and select “More Symbols.” In both cases you will then select the Wingdings font in the “Font” drop-down list.

If you are trying to alter a template then you will need the required permissions.